05 Mar Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatments Compared: Ocrevus vs Tysabri vs Briumvi
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatments Compared: Ocrevus vs Briumvi vs Tysabri
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Overview
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and body. Over 1 million people in the U.S. live with MS, experiencing a range of symptoms that can impact daily life. While there is no cure, advanced treatments, including infusion therapy, can help slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
In this guide, we spotlight the treatments available for MS. We provide important information about multiple sclerosis treatment, including a comparison of three different infusion therapies: Ocrevus, Tysabri, and Briumvi.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers, leading to inflammation and damage. This results in nerve signal disruption, causing symptoms that vary from person to person. Multiple Sclerosis symptoms are usually identified in young adults, with the median age of diagnosis being 34 years old.
Multiple Sclerosis is typically diagnosed by a neurologist. A thorough examination, lab tests, and imaging such as an MRI, are often needed to make the diagnosis. An MS diagnosis can be severely troubling to affected individuals and loved ones. Thanks to recent developments, there are several advanced treatments which can slow the progression of the disease. Many patients can achieve remission through a comprehensive treatment plan.
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) such as infusions/injections have become a preferred option for many patients. Clinical research has proven their effectiveness in reducing relapses and delaying disability progression. In addition to early and ongoing treatment with a DMT, your neurologist may recommend diet and lifestyle changes, physical or occupational therapy, and prescription medications to alleviate symptoms.
Infusion Therapy for MS: How It Works
Infusion therapy delivers powerful disease-modifying medications directly into the bloodstream for fast and efficient absorption. At Pure Infusion Suites, we offer three FDA-approved infusion/injection treatments for MS: Ocrevus, Tysabri, and Briumvi. In the next section, we’ll cover the basics of these multiple sclerosis treatments. Read more to discover treatment info, frequency, and duration of each treatment.
Ocrevus & Ocrevus Zunovo (Ocrelizumab)
- Ocrevus is the IV infused therapy, while Ocrevus Zunovo is the injectable version that may offer more convenience.
- Approved for Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), Primary Progressive MS (PPMS), Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS), and Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS).
- Slows disability progression and reduces relapses by targeting CD20-expressing B cells.
- Given twice a year after an initial two-dose setup.
- Infusion duration is typically 2-4 hours, but can be up to 6 hours.
Tysabri (Natalizumab)
- Used for relapsing forms of MS such as RRMS, SPMS, and CIS to prevent immune cells from attacking myelin.
- Reduces inflammation by limiting the infiltration of damaging immune cells.
- Highly effective in reducing relapses.
- Given once every 4 weeks via infusion.
- Infusion duration is 1 hour.
Briumvi (Ublituximab)
- Most recently approved multiple sclerosis treatment.
- Approved for relapsing forms of MS such as RRMS, SPMS, and CIS.
- A next-generation B-cell-depleting therapy, similar to Ocrevus, but designed for faster B-cell depletion through enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
- Given as an infusion every 6 months after an initial two-dose setup.
- Shorter infusion duration (1 hour) compared to other B-cell therapies (like Ocrevus), making it a convenient option.
What to Expect During Infusion Therapy
At Pure Infusion Suites, we prioritize comfort and care in a private, spa-like setting. Here’s what patients can expect:
- A relaxing environment with reclining chairs, entertainment, and refreshments.
- One-on-one nursing care to monitor treatment and ensure safety.
- Fast and easy scheduling with little to no wait times.
Side Effects, Safety, & Insurance/Cost Assistance
All infusion therapies have potential side effects. The most common include mild flu-like symptoms, infusion reactions, and headaches. Your healthcare provider will discuss the risks and benefits with you. The healthcare professionals at Pure Infusion Suites are highly experienced in infusion care and are well trained in managing any adverse reactions.
Many insurance plans cover these treatments. Our team at Pure Infusion Suites offers support to help navigate insurance authorizations, coordinating with your neurologist to ensure you get the treatment you need. Support with financial assistance programs is also available to help lower the cost of treatment.
Is Infusion Therapy Right for You?
If you have MS and are looking for a proven, effective treatment, infusion therapy could be a great option. Talk to your neurologist to determine the best course of treatment based on your condition and medical history. Should you be prescribed a disease-modifying therapy for MS, know that you have a choice in your infusion venue.
Pure Infusion suites goes above and beyond to ensure that our patients are comfortable and cared for in a way that is incomparable to any other infusion center. Being patient-obsessed is the ethos behind everything we do. We believe our friends, family, and community members struggling with chronic illness deserve better.
About Pure Infusion Suites
Pure Infusion Suites is a leading provider of ambulatory infusion services, offering high-quality care in a comfortable and patient-obsessed environment. The company’s state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team of nurses and other healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care to each patient.
Pure Infusion Suites currently operates locations in Arizona, Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
For more information on a Pure Infusion Suites clinic near you, visit our locations page here: https://pureinfusionsuites.com/locations/
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